MOSCOW, November 20 (RIA Novosti) - Bulgaria has seized a Ukrainian cargo vessel because of nonpayment for repairs, the Bulgarian Focus news agency reported on Friday.

The Leonid Lugovoi was seized by a court of appeals in the port of Varna. The vessel belongs to the Ukrainian Danube Shipping company.

The repair company had tried in the past to settle the payment dispute several times with the Ukrainian ship owners, however has been unsuccessful, the agency said.

If payment is not received, the ship may be put up for auction.